NINE OTHER WAYS TO SAVE YOUR DOSH...

SHOP AROUND

It’s easy to compare quotes online, but check how many companies are being compared by the site in question. Some websites don’t compare that many, or may even be tied to one company. Others compare quite a few. Chill, for example, compares 14 insurers.

ACCEPT AN EXCESS

An excess is the amount you have to pay on every claim before insurance kicks in. Accepting a higher excess can reduce premiums, but it will cost you if you have an accident.

TRADE UP

Older cars are penalised by insurers. Trade in your car for a newer model before it reaches ten years of age as car prices drop off sharply for that very reason.

DROP COMPREHENSIVE COVER

If your car isn’t worth much you could save by trading down your insurance from comprehensive cover to ‘third party fire and theft’.

BUY HOME COVER FROM THE SAME INSURER

Some firms offer discounts if you buy both home and car insurance together. For example, Liberty offers a 10% discount. Blue Insurance offers €25 off.

GET TWO YEARS’ COVER

Blue Insurance also say you can save up to 50% if you buy two years cover instead of one – and if you make a claim you won’t lose your no claims bonus for two years.

CHANGE SEX (IF YOU’RE A MAN)

Well, it worked for me. I saved 30% on my car cover by going to Its4women which, despite its name, is not just for women.

GO ELECTRIC

Cheaper insurance is just one of many reasons for buying an electric car. You’ll also save much more on fuel, tax – and planet-ruining guilt.